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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Advice from Ben Stein

Ben Stein is the droning-voiced pundit who shows up on "CBS Sunday Morning" from time to time. Those of my age remember as the boring economics teacher in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" ("Bueller?...Bueller?....").

His son is starting college this year and Ben has some advice for him. It is generally pretty good stuff. There is more in the article, but these are the high points.

So, what follows is some advice for our son and for all college students, and maybe for all students of any age, about how to maximize the value of time spent in higher education

First, make friends with your teachers.

Next, do your papers neatly, according to the assignment, and on time.

Take courses that will be of genuine use to your mind.

Make friends, and preferably join a fraternity or sorority.

Don't smoke or drink to excess.

Play a sport.

If you're not happy with your roommate, switch.

Try to have a significant other.

Above all, develop habits of work.

If you can learn to work, think, and make friends, you're way ahead of the pack.

Good luck.

Hmmm. Sounds pretty "Balanced" to me. I wish I had actually done all of that when I was in college.